Substitute candidate
In European elections a substitute candidate may be, but does not have to be, named for each
candidate. A party or association entitled to nominate a candidate may completely refrain from
naming substitute candidates or it may submit a list naming substitute candidates for only some of
the candidates.
Substitute candidates have to be nominated by the same procedure as main candidates, this
means an assembly of party members or an assembly of party delegates has to select them in a secret
ballot by name and position on the list. If the main candidate has been elected, they, too, are
regarded as elected under certain conditions and are eligible for a seat. In accordance with the
nomination of successors from the list, they shall become members of the European Parliament if the
main candidate for whom they have been named as a substitute drops out.
Legal bases:
European election: Sections 9 (2), 10 (3), 12 (3), 24 of the European Elections Act
(EuWG)
Last update: April 2011
See also:
©2012 The Federal Returning Officer
